Ford 1.0 litre EcoBoost in a carry-on case

Ford has cleverly demonstration the compact dimensions of their 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine by taking it to L.A. in a carry-on case.

Those who’ve ever got their hands dirty under the bonnet of an engines, hired a hoist and removed the engine, will know it’s not something you can really do with a quick unbolt and a few pounds of muscle. At least it didn’t used to be.

But now, with little three-cylinder engines like Ford’s new 1.0 litre EcoBoost, it’s suddenly possible to do exactly that – and without a hoist – if the demonstration by Ford of the 1.0 EcoBoost’s portability is anything to go by.

True, the EcoBoost engine Ford stuck in a carry-on bag to take it from Detroit to the Los Angelse Auto show – where the little 3-pot is being introduced to a disbelieving American car buying public – was devoid of ancillaries, head and sump pan.

But still, to fit an engine block in a case small enough to put in an overhead locker on a plane is something to shout about, and the perfect way to show them there ‘Mericans that an engine doesn’t have to weigh two tons and take up the same space as a small shed to be powerful and able.

Surprisingly, as you need to remove your shoes, belt and anything liquid you might have before you have a prayer of getting through customs these days, it seems Ford’s portable engine sailed through with ease.

So what exactly is Ford’s plan for the 1.0 litre EcoBoost, apart from ferrying it around America’s internal air system in a case? It seems likely they will launch it in the new Fiesta to start with and probably the Focus in due course.